December 22, 2009
The Llamas Are Lowing…
Since Anne is posting about Christmas stuff, I thought I might too. I’m not really a collector per se, but I love nativity scenes more than anyone ever. I know! Of all the items to collect. So far I only have a few, but I don’t see this trend slowing down anytime soon.
I guess what I love about them is they reflect how the culture (or sub-culture) sees itself. For instance, did you know that there are Veggie Tales, chihuahuas, and even minimalist nativity scenes? Those links kind of changed your life, didn’t they? And my favorite one that I own, I found in Peru. Check it out:
The first detail you might notice is that instead of cows and donkeys, this nativity set features LLAMAS. And they’re really, really cute. In fact, I think that one on the right is wearing a bit of lipstick.
But even better, the shepherds and, uh, one wise man are all wearing the traditional Peruvian knit hat. You know the one, with the little side flaps on the ears? Also, again can we note how happy the livestock is in Peru? Also apparently gold, frankincense, and myrrh are out. Jesus is getting a Peruvian pot. It was on the baby registry I think.
Maria and Jose are fairly normal looking, though you’ll note that they are both in traditional Peruvian garb and Jose has his favorite walking stick with him to partake in this momentous event.
But the best part of the whole nativity set is definitely the baby Jesus. Why? Well, this newborn is already sporting the latest trend in baby wear. Yes! His very own Peruvian knit cap! With ear flaps! You’ll see one of these on Suri Cruise next.
I’m not sure how often we’ll be posting over the Christmas holidays. In fact, Anne and I haven’t even talked about it yet but like years past it’ll probably be a little sporadic as we drop off the interwebs and plug in with our families instead. Also I’ve got to find some places to cut back and so I hope you’ll understand if I don’t post here quite so often in the new year. I have a wonderfully full, incredibly blessed life so I’m not complaining, but for every 24 hours of a day, there seems to be 30 hours of work.
But thank you for another wonderful year together. I know I speak for Anne when I say that having the love, laughter, and support of this community means the world to us.
What an ADORABLE Nativity scene - and I love that there are llamas. And happy sheep.
I’m so glad to be part of this community that you and Anne have created. I hope your Christmas is wonderfully merry!
Love the llamas, love the hats, love everything.
That’s a cute Nativity scene :)My sister has a really cute Precious Moments Nativity scene–you can move the baby Jesus from the manger to Mary’s arms. She got it years ago but it’s still my favorite one I’ve seen.
I don’t have any yet–I really need to get one, but I have a feeling the cat will knock the figures down from where ever I put it and the dog will think they are instant chew toys.
Our Nativity scene is lost. We want one where Jesus isn’t blond though… Any ideas?
And I’m going to take the liberity of speaking for the blog world: We don’t mind if you don’t post much over the next week, we’ll all probably be with family too.
Beautiful! Gorgeous pictures, too.
Amanda! So I didn’t sell you on the Veggie Tales one? The chihuahuas one?! C’mon!
I rather like the Willow Tree nativity sets if you’re looking for a serious one: http://cgi.ebay.com/Demdaco-Willow-Tree-6-piece-Nativity-set_W0QQitemZ250552652487QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a561a12c7
They’re pricey but there are a lot on Ebay so maybe you can find a deal. And they look fairly historically accurate.
I would also just keep an eye out at your local handicraft market. My favorite sets are handmade and from foreign countries. I don’t suppose you ever go to Mexico? I’ll bet you could find an incredible one there.
http://www.magellantraders.com/Nativities-Mexico.htm
How beautiful! That Baby Jesus is precious.
I guess I collect nativity scenes too–I didn’t intend to start a collection, but I kept finding really cool ones and couldn’t say no! Have you seen any of the ones at Ten Thousand Villages? They have some really amazing ones made from recycled materials.
Merry Christmas to you both!
I love this nativity set. Thanks for coming to Fishing For Wors and helping me donate a beehive. Happy New Year!